Grief Therapists in Alameda, CA

Photo of Kamla Fennimore, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kamla Fennimore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Alameda, CA 94501  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with individuals dealing with the complexities of chronic illness, bereavement, and faith transitions.
Feeling stuck in the messy middle? Finding yourself on an unexpected life path? Do you feel misunderstood, judged, or alone in your suffering? Looking for insight and growth? Over the last 20 years I have worked with a variety of clients who have diverse life experiences and various intersecting identities. I have a warm, supportive, empathetic and collaborative approach.
I specialize in working with individuals dealing with the complexities of chronic illness, bereavement, and faith transitions.
Feeling stuck in the messy middle? Finding yourself on an unexpected life path? Do you feel misunderstood, judged, or alone in your suffering? Looking for insight and growth? Over the last 20 years I have worked with a variety of clients who have diverse life experiences and various intersecting identities. I have a warm, supportive, empathetic and collaborative approach.
(510) 680-2149 View (510) 680-2149
Photo of Christine S Kovach, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Christine S Kovach
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Alameda, CA 94501
I provide a warm, supportive presence, an individualized approach to counseling and offer the use of expressive arts and guided imagery in the service of easing grief and pain.
I specialize in supportive counseling with those facing serious illness (chronic, life threatening or new diagnoses), coping with the challenges of caregiving and grief/ loss, as well as dealing with other life transitions. I am also pleased to provide consultations regarding elder care and planning for increasing needs. I frequently facilitate caregiver support groups and groups to support hospice staff members as they provide care to those who are terminally ill. In addition, I offer workshops employing expressive arts to address issues of grief and life transitions (Example: Day of the Dead Altar-making in Honor of Lost Loved ones).
I provide a warm, supportive presence, an individualized approach to counseling and offer the use of expressive arts and guided imagery in the service of easing grief and pain.
I specialize in supportive counseling with those facing serious illness (chronic, life threatening or new diagnoses), coping with the challenges of caregiving and grief/ loss, as well as dealing with other life transitions. I am also pleased to provide consultations regarding elder care and planning for increasing needs. I frequently facilitate caregiver support groups and groups to support hospice staff members as they provide care to those who are terminally ill. In addition, I offer workshops employing expressive arts to address issues of grief and life transitions (Example: Day of the Dead Altar-making in Honor of Lost Loved ones).
(510) 871-8880 View (510) 871-8880
Photo of Melissa K Bowman, MA, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Melissa K Bowman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Alameda, CA 94501  (Online Only)
My specializations include: working with older adults through life transitions, grief counseling, treatment-resistant depression, individuals with disabilities and/or chronic pain, and trauma.
I love what I do! I have the pleasure of working with clients from five to 105-years-old! Having the opportunity to work with an expansive age range has taught me that at any age: we want to be loved and we want to love, we want to belong, we want to have purpose, we want to experience joy, and we don't want pain. My goal as a therapist, is to help my clients find ways to reduce, restructure, and remove obstacles that cause pain; while building on our individual resources to promote health, happiness and well-being.
My specializations include: working with older adults through life transitions, grief counseling, treatment-resistant depression, individuals with disabilities and/or chronic pain, and trauma.
I love what I do! I have the pleasure of working with clients from five to 105-years-old! Having the opportunity to work with an expansive age range has taught me that at any age: we want to be loved and we want to love, we want to belong, we want to have purpose, we want to experience joy, and we don't want pain. My goal as a therapist, is to help my clients find ways to reduce, restructure, and remove obstacles that cause pain; while building on our individual resources to promote health, happiness and well-being.
(510) 849-6789 View (510) 849-6789
Photo of Keri Onan-Levy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Keri Onan-Levy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Alameda, CA 94501  (Online Only)
My clients are culturally diverse and are seeking support with issues such as, but not limited to life transitions, grief, relationship issues, self-esteem, family of origin issues, trauma, and identity.
Hello, I'm Keri Onan-Levy, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My work with clients is grounded in respect, empathy, reliability, intelligence, and professionalism. My practice focuses on supporting individuals as they navigate life's challenges, process experiences, and work to better understand themselves. My approach to providing therapy is unique to each individual. I use a variety of theoretical approaches including Attachment Theory, Psychodynamic Theory, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, Trauma Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. All treatment options are discussed with my clients.
My clients are culturally diverse and are seeking support with issues such as, but not limited to life transitions, grief, relationship issues, self-esteem, family of origin issues, trauma, and identity.
Hello, I'm Keri Onan-Levy, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My work with clients is grounded in respect, empathy, reliability, intelligence, and professionalism. My practice focuses on supporting individuals as they navigate life's challenges, process experiences, and work to better understand themselves. My approach to providing therapy is unique to each individual. I use a variety of theoretical approaches including Attachment Theory, Psychodynamic Theory, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, Trauma Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. All treatment options are discussed with my clients.
(510) 486-2148 View (510) 486-2148
Photo of Alice Hua, PhD, Psychologist
Alice Hua
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Alameda, CA 94501  (Online Only)
I work with clients to acknowledge their strengths, address impacts of culture and oppressive systems on mental health, and build skills rooted in their goals and values. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, life transitions, depression, grief, insomnia, and trauma. I also work with individuals adjusting to neurocognitive symptoms and family members of loved ones with dementia. Amidst life's toughest moments, finding clarity, connection, and joy is still possible.
I work with clients to acknowledge their strengths, address impacts of culture and oppressive systems on mental health, and build skills rooted in their goals and values. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, life transitions, depression, grief, insomnia, and trauma. I also work with individuals adjusting to neurocognitive symptoms and family members of loved ones with dementia. Amidst life's toughest moments, finding clarity, connection, and joy is still possible.
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Photo of Lee M Schuster, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lee M Schuster
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Alameda, CA 94501
My areas of expertise include: working with individuals/teens who are coping with grief / loss, mood, trauma, and phase of life issues.
Are you at a turning point in your life? Struggling with life's daily complexities? I focus on: Trauma and PTSD, Substance Abuse and Dual Diagnosis, Grief and Loss and much more. I use an eclectic model of healing from a person-centered, strengths-based perspective that is Anti-Racist and Anti- Systems of Oppression in its foundation. To allow oneself to show up as our best selves in and out of the therapy room. Each person brings a multi-faceted expression of their true selves to therapy that can be unlocked with strength, courage, and the acknowledgment of one's right to self-determination and self-efficacy.
My areas of expertise include: working with individuals/teens who are coping with grief / loss, mood, trauma, and phase of life issues.
Are you at a turning point in your life? Struggling with life's daily complexities? I focus on: Trauma and PTSD, Substance Abuse and Dual Diagnosis, Grief and Loss and much more. I use an eclectic model of healing from a person-centered, strengths-based perspective that is Anti-Racist and Anti- Systems of Oppression in its foundation. To allow oneself to show up as our best selves in and out of the therapy room. Each person brings a multi-faceted expression of their true selves to therapy that can be unlocked with strength, courage, and the acknowledgment of one's right to self-determination and self-efficacy.
(510) 640-8456 View (510) 640-8456
Photo of Claire Marie Crosetti, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Claire Marie Crosetti
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alameda, CA 94501
I work with individuals, couples and adolescents and their families on a wide array of issues including life transitions, improving relationships, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, forgiveness, women's issues and couples struggling with infertility. Therapy can be both a rewarding and rejuvinating process. My style is one of partnering with compassion and respect. Together we can improve your relationships, well being and hopefullness. By compassionately looking at your life we can uncover patterns that are inhibiting the attainment of your life goals.
I work with individuals, couples and adolescents and their families on a wide array of issues including life transitions, improving relationships, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, forgiveness, women's issues and couples struggling with infertility. Therapy can be both a rewarding and rejuvinating process. My style is one of partnering with compassion and respect. Together we can improve your relationships, well being and hopefullness. By compassionately looking at your life we can uncover patterns that are inhibiting the attainment of your life goals.
(925) 336-3329 View (925) 336-3329
Photo of Katrina Sesline, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Katrina Sesline
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Alameda, CA 94501  (Online Only)
I specialize in treating adults living with a disabling health condition, caregivers who are supporting someone with a health condition, and those grieving the loss of a loved one. Living with a serious illness or grief can bring out difficult feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, depression and fear. I use an integrative approach with elements of narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness. Together, let's create a safe space to help you cope while attending to your heart, mind, and body.
I specialize in treating adults living with a disabling health condition, caregivers who are supporting someone with a health condition, and those grieving the loss of a loved one. Living with a serious illness or grief can bring out difficult feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, depression and fear. I use an integrative approach with elements of narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness. Together, let's create a safe space to help you cope while attending to your heart, mind, and body.
(510) 616-9406 View (510) 616-9406
Photo of Karen Del Fierro Monroy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Karen Del Fierro Monroy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Alameda, CA 94501  (Online Only)
My approach to therapy is grounded in empathy, warmth, and unconditional positive regard. I strive to create a safe and nurturing space where individuals feel empowered to heal and flourish. Whether I am empowering a postpartum client towards healing during the trenches of parenthood, or holding space in the depths of grief after a miscarriage or neonatal loss, I am dedicated to walking alongside my clients to foster growth, resilience, and renewed hope.
My approach to therapy is grounded in empathy, warmth, and unconditional positive regard. I strive to create a safe and nurturing space where individuals feel empowered to heal and flourish. Whether I am empowering a postpartum client towards healing during the trenches of parenthood, or holding space in the depths of grief after a miscarriage or neonatal loss, I am dedicated to walking alongside my clients to foster growth, resilience, and renewed hope.
(415) 319-9523 View (415) 319-9523
Photo of Michael Mombrea, MA, LMFT, CEAP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michael Mombrea
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CEAP
Verified Verified
Alameda, CA 94501
Every individual has a unique life story that leads them to seek help. Each stage of life provides challenges that are opportunities for growth. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief and loss, and a variety of stress related medical conditions. I also have a special interest in working with men struggling with intimacy in their relationships and maintaining work-life balance. In over 20 years of experience as a therapist, I have learned that listening with empathy and developing trust with my clients are the most essential elements for healing and emotional growth.
Every individual has a unique life story that leads them to seek help. Each stage of life provides challenges that are opportunities for growth. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief and loss, and a variety of stress related medical conditions. I also have a special interest in working with men struggling with intimacy in their relationships and maintaining work-life balance. In over 20 years of experience as a therapist, I have learned that listening with empathy and developing trust with my clients are the most essential elements for healing and emotional growth.
(628) 265-6138 View (628) 265-6138
Photo of Elaina Barulic - Elaina Barulic, MFT, Jungian Therapist, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Elaina Barulic, MFT, Jungian Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Alameda, CA 94501
I work with anxiety, depression, life changes, loss, early trauma, spiritual concerns, and bodily/somatic symptoms of emotional distress.
I offer therapy as a reliable space where you can slow down, really meet your inner world and learn to relate to what you discover there. Your symptoms have a story to tell. They can cause suffering when you don’t understand their language, or what they're asking you to find out about yourself. When given the attention they ask for, your emotions can reconnect you to your instincts and guide you in useful directions. Jungian therapy works to help you face inward towards your imagination, where you can begin to recover and revive what feels dormant, lost, unworthy, or just undiscovered.
I work with anxiety, depression, life changes, loss, early trauma, spiritual concerns, and bodily/somatic symptoms of emotional distress.
I offer therapy as a reliable space where you can slow down, really meet your inner world and learn to relate to what you discover there. Your symptoms have a story to tell. They can cause suffering when you don’t understand their language, or what they're asking you to find out about yourself. When given the attention they ask for, your emotions can reconnect you to your instincts and guide you in useful directions. Jungian therapy works to help you face inward towards your imagination, where you can begin to recover and revive what feels dormant, lost, unworthy, or just undiscovered.
(628) 241-1097 View (628) 241-1097
Photo of Christine Olson, MA, LPCC, Counselor
Christine Olson
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Alameda, CA 94501  (Online Only)
Welcome! Engaging in therapy is a vulnerable and courageous process; as such, I aim to hold space and gently meet you wherever you are in your journey. I am a culturally-responsive, somatically-oriented trauma therapist with a decade of experience supporting individuals healing and growing from trauma (single-event and complex PTSD), attachment wounds, anxiety, grief and loss, as well as challenges related to identity and life transitions. I am especially passionate about serving members of Queer/LGBTQIA+, gender expansive, and BIPOC communities.
Welcome! Engaging in therapy is a vulnerable and courageous process; as such, I aim to hold space and gently meet you wherever you are in your journey. I am a culturally-responsive, somatically-oriented trauma therapist with a decade of experience supporting individuals healing and growing from trauma (single-event and complex PTSD), attachment wounds, anxiety, grief and loss, as well as challenges related to identity and life transitions. I am especially passionate about serving members of Queer/LGBTQIA+, gender expansive, and BIPOC communities.
(510) 867-3491 View (510) 867-3491
Photo of Ashley Robinson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ashley Robinson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Alameda, CA 94501  (Online Only)
Therapy can be intimidating and scary. My goal is to create an authentic, safe, calm, fun, and comforting environment where clients can develop tools to navigate obstacles and stressors. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strengths-based Therapy, Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing, we will focus on your overall well-being and work towards creating a happy, healthier you. I specialize in working with BIPOC facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief and loss, life transitions, family conflict, relationship issues, stress, difficulties with work, and chronic illness.
Therapy can be intimidating and scary. My goal is to create an authentic, safe, calm, fun, and comforting environment where clients can develop tools to navigate obstacles and stressors. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strengths-based Therapy, Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing, we will focus on your overall well-being and work towards creating a happy, healthier you. I specialize in working with BIPOC facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief and loss, life transitions, family conflict, relationship issues, stress, difficulties with work, and chronic illness.
(510) 621-6988 View (510) 621-6988
Photo of Madeline Winard, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Madeline Winard
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Alameda, CA 94501
I work with a diversity of folks in my office in Alameda and virtually throughout California. In my practice, I enjoy working with adolescents and adults of all ages. I have a special interest in working with clients who identify as LGBTQIA+ and/or queer, folks who are questioning and exploring their identities, and individuals who are going through transitions. My clinical interests include anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, sexuality and asexuality, attachment, and relationship issues. I identify as a queer, white, and Jewish woman, and I understand the ways in which our social and cultural identities impact us.
I work with a diversity of folks in my office in Alameda and virtually throughout California. In my practice, I enjoy working with adolescents and adults of all ages. I have a special interest in working with clients who identify as LGBTQIA+ and/or queer, folks who are questioning and exploring their identities, and individuals who are going through transitions. My clinical interests include anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, sexuality and asexuality, attachment, and relationship issues. I identify as a queer, white, and Jewish woman, and I understand the ways in which our social and cultural identities impact us.
(415) 895-9629 View (415) 895-9629
Photo of Carrie P. Wasson, PsyD, PMH-C, Psychologist
Carrie P. Wasson
Psychologist, PsyD, PMH-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Alameda, CA 94501
Issues that I have experience working with include depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, parenting stress and strategies, and changes in relationships and other life transitions.
Whether this is your first time looking for a therapist or you are coming back to therapy, it can feel hard to find someone you feel you can trust and really click with. I have over 17 years of clinical experience and enjoy working with individuals and especially new parents. I hope to work with clients to strengthen relationships, foster change and enhance what might already be working. I have helped clients to learn effective strategies to live more fulfilling and satisfying lives.
Issues that I have experience working with include depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, parenting stress and strategies, and changes in relationships and other life transitions.
Whether this is your first time looking for a therapist or you are coming back to therapy, it can feel hard to find someone you feel you can trust and really click with. I have over 17 years of clinical experience and enjoy working with individuals and especially new parents. I hope to work with clients to strengthen relationships, foster change and enhance what might already be working. I have helped clients to learn effective strategies to live more fulfilling and satisfying lives.
(510) 296-5242 View (510) 296-5242
Photo of Ashley McLaughlin, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ashley McLaughlin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Alameda, CA 94501  (Online Only)
I seek to guide you through the overwhelming and isolating feelings that accompany substantial life struggles. Whether you've been struggling with anxiety or feeling "lost" on how to move forward, experienced the loss of a loved one, became a new parent or contemplating other major life transitions- I am equipped to walk alongside you as you navigate these experiences. When working with couples we center the element of communication and attachment, developing and deepening the connection between the two of you.
I seek to guide you through the overwhelming and isolating feelings that accompany substantial life struggles. Whether you've been struggling with anxiety or feeling "lost" on how to move forward, experienced the loss of a loved one, became a new parent or contemplating other major life transitions- I am equipped to walk alongside you as you navigate these experiences. When working with couples we center the element of communication and attachment, developing and deepening the connection between the two of you.
(510) 726-6992 View (510) 726-6992
Photo of Suzanne Hayne, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Suzanne Hayne
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Alameda, CA 94501
I have many years of experience with couples counseling, addiction, separation/divorce, grief, trauma, depression/anxiety, adult children with mentally ill parents, domestic violence, transition to parenthood, and postpartum depression.
I consider therapy a collaborative effort, guided by your needs. Through meaningful conversations I address your goals, your beliefs & their origins, and look at what's not working for you anymore. Therapy gives you the space you need to look at what is true to you by exploring your boundaries and willingness to go to uncomfortable places. I've been working in a private practice since 2008, first as an intern and now as a licensed clinician. I am attentive, warm, and compassionate. I take my work seriously & believe a little humor can aid in the healing process.
I have many years of experience with couples counseling, addiction, separation/divorce, grief, trauma, depression/anxiety, adult children with mentally ill parents, domestic violence, transition to parenthood, and postpartum depression.
I consider therapy a collaborative effort, guided by your needs. Through meaningful conversations I address your goals, your beliefs & their origins, and look at what's not working for you anymore. Therapy gives you the space you need to look at what is true to you by exploring your boundaries and willingness to go to uncomfortable places. I've been working in a private practice since 2008, first as an intern and now as a licensed clinician. I am attentive, warm, and compassionate. I take my work seriously & believe a little humor can aid in the healing process.
(510) 228-4496 View (510) 228-4496
Photo of Marion Lisa Bayard, LMFT, RPT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist
Marion Lisa Bayard
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Alameda, CA 94501
Play therapy is effective in helping children and preteens adjust to life stressors such as divorce, death, trauma or chronic illness.
Whether experiencing distress due to current life circumstances or lingering hurts and difficulties, working with a supportive therapist can help. Each individual and family has its own unique story and set of strengths and struggles. My practice consists of working with children, families and adults. I have provided services in diverse settings including schools, youth and family service organizations and substance abuse programs. I have had the honor of working with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. I believe in working collaboratively with clients and I strive to provide a welcoming environment that promotes healing, self-acceptance and learning new skills to cope.
Play therapy is effective in helping children and preteens adjust to life stressors such as divorce, death, trauma or chronic illness.
Whether experiencing distress due to current life circumstances or lingering hurts and difficulties, working with a supportive therapist can help. Each individual and family has its own unique story and set of strengths and struggles. My practice consists of working with children, families and adults. I have provided services in diverse settings including schools, youth and family service organizations and substance abuse programs. I have had the honor of working with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. I believe in working collaboratively with clients and I strive to provide a welcoming environment that promotes healing, self-acceptance and learning new skills to cope.
(510) 592-6663 View (510) 592-6663
Photo of Audrina Smith, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Audrina Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Alameda, CA 94501
You are struggling and you feel alone. I can help. Have you ever been told you are too sensitive? Do you often feel judged or alone? Are you interested in looking within, learning more about yourself and creating the life you deserve? If so, I am here to help. I support clients struggling with depression and anxiety, learning about and coping with the highly sensitive trait, as well as grief and difficult life transitions. I specialize in older teens, college students, young adulthood/emerging professionals. and women around issues of fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and family life.
You are struggling and you feel alone. I can help. Have you ever been told you are too sensitive? Do you often feel judged or alone? Are you interested in looking within, learning more about yourself and creating the life you deserve? If so, I am here to help. I support clients struggling with depression and anxiety, learning about and coping with the highly sensitive trait, as well as grief and difficult life transitions. I specialize in older teens, college students, young adulthood/emerging professionals. and women around issues of fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and family life.
(510) 288-9386 View (510) 288-9386
Photo of Dr. Cheryl-Grace Elizabeth Patty, PsyD, MA, BS, Psychologist
Dr. Cheryl-Grace Elizabeth Patty
Psychologist, PsyD, MA, BS
Verified Verified
Alameda, CA 94502
I can help with anxiety, depression, mania, psychosis, chronic self-doubt, negative self-appraisal, bereavement, abandonment issues, and relationship difficulties.
Are you struggling to find peace, happiness, greater satisfaction, and healthier relationships? Do you continue to feel empty, angry, sad, or anxious? Do you feel as if you have limited ability to change? Self-knowledge is the key to understanding why you continue to struggle and how you can change the continuous negative cycle into a positive one. Through the process of psychotherapy, you will discover how your internal world interprets and affects your external world and how these mechanisms were developed. I can help you gain the insight and self-knowledge necessary for positive, lasting change.
I can help with anxiety, depression, mania, psychosis, chronic self-doubt, negative self-appraisal, bereavement, abandonment issues, and relationship difficulties.
Are you struggling to find peace, happiness, greater satisfaction, and healthier relationships? Do you continue to feel empty, angry, sad, or anxious? Do you feel as if you have limited ability to change? Self-knowledge is the key to understanding why you continue to struggle and how you can change the continuous negative cycle into a positive one. Through the process of psychotherapy, you will discover how your internal world interprets and affects your external world and how these mechanisms were developed. I can help you gain the insight and self-knowledge necessary for positive, lasting change.
(415) 367-4601 View (415) 367-4601
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Grief Therapists

How long does therapy take for grief?

There is no exact timeline for grief counseling. Some people may start to feel better after just a few sessions, while others may take months or longer to feel relief. Some specific approaches, including some types of CBT, may involve a set number of sessions, or therapy may be open-ended until the patient determines they are ready to wrap up. Just as there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there is no right or wrong way to seek therapy for grief.

When should you seek therapy for grief?

Many people mistakenly believe that their grief needs to be debilitating or all-encompassing to warrant therapy. This is not the case. While people who experience severe, prolonged grief—particularly those who are considering self-harm or engaging in unhealthy substance use—are especially likely to benefit from therapy, so too are people whose grief is less intense but still interfering with well-being or daily functioning. In practice, almost anyone struggling to process a loss could benefit from grief counseling.

Can grief be managed without therapy?

Oftentimes, yes. Grief is a near-universal part of being human, and many find that their grief, while profound, does not stop them from participating in day-to-day life and steadily eases over time without outside help. For others, however, the harsh pain of early grief persists for months or years or leaves them unable to function. This group is especially likely to benefit from seeing a therapist, who can guide them through their grief and help them reconnect with the world.

What happens if grief is left untreated?

Because grief does not in itself necessitate therapy, untreated grief will often resolve on its own. However, for some people—particularly those who would qualify for a diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder—untreated grief can be a source of seemingly endless pain or lead them to withdraw from the world. In such cases, treatment can be indispensable, as it can help an individual adapt to the loss and start living again.